It Takes What It Takes: Does It Really Only Take What It Takes for Success?
One of the ways I judge how much I like a book is looking at the number of highlights I make. It’s safe to say that I’m a big fan of Trevor Moawad’s book It Takes What It Takes. As I flip through the pages while I write this review I see a highlight on nearly every other page. Starting with page 2 of the forward written by Russell Wilson, all the way through the last page of the last chapter.
With that said, the moment I hit buy to pre-order this book several weeks before release, the title already sold me. As I eagerly waited for my copy I couldn’t help but to ponder the mantra “it takes what it takes” repeatedly. Does it really only take what it takes for success in life? After finishing those final 5 words in the final chapter this morning, without reservation I say YES!
Moawad does a brilliant job of simplifying sports psychology into a digestible format. He does this by explaining the concept of “it takes what it takes” without being overly academic.
From time to time, Moawad does introduce a few complex techniques such as imagery as a mental conditioning technique. In addition, although I’m a huge fan of his neutral thinking approach, it can appear complex at first. However, the truth is neutral thinking is not complex at all. It’s really just a way to think that’s not negative or positive. Instead, thinking neutrally is simply just a focus on behaviors to execute the idea that it takes what it takes.
What I like most about this book is Moawad’s approach to storytelling. He shares deeply personal stories from problem to solution using neutral thinking. Throughout, he also provides valuable insights on how to apply his techniques using both client and personal examples. In particular, his reflections on his time working with former Jacksonville Jaguar star Fred Taylor, the 2013-14 Florida State national title team, and child soccer prodigy Freddy Adu are among the best parts of this book.
In summary, I can personally say that this is the sports psychology book I’ve been looking for. You may never find this book in the sports psychology section of the library. Moawad doesn’t necessarily classify his book this way. However, It Takes What It Takes masterfully sums up most of the effective mindset approaches I’ve found in my research.